This section provides a glossary of terms on fair trade and ethical consumption.

Fair trade is an initiative that aims to provide farmers and workers in developing countries with fair trading conditions and sustainable livelihoods by giving them the opportunity to sell their products at a fair price and work in a way that respects human dignity.

The concept of Fair Trade originated in Europe in the 1950s, but the modern fair trade movement really took off in the 1980s. Initially it focused on the coffee industry, but now a wide range of products are included in Fair Trade.

The primary objective of Fairtrade is to bring economic stability and independence to producers and workers in developing countries and improve their living conditions. It also aims to promote fair trade and sustainable development and reduce inequalities in global markets.

These are products made from Fair Trade certified raw materials. Common Fair Trade products are agricultural products such as coffee, chocolate, tea, bananas, and cotton. There are also crafts and clothing products that meet Fair Trade standards. To receive Fair Trade certification, products must meet the standards set by international Fair Trade organizations.

There are three main standards for fair trade certification:

• Economic standards : Guarantee minimum prices to producers and require them to improve working conditions, including banning child and forced labor.

• Social Standards : Promote community development and environmental protection efforts.

• Environmental standards : Promote sustainable agricultural and production methods.

By purchasing fair trade products, you can improve the lives of producers in developing countries. Specifically, you can expect the following:

Stable income

The Fair Trade Minimum Price system allows producers to receive a stable income without being affected by fluctuations in market prices.

Eliminating child labor

To be Fair Trade certified, child labor must be prohibited.

Access to education and healthcare

The extra revenue, called the Fair Trade Premium, is used to support improvements in education, health care and other areas in producer communities.

Environmental Protection

To be Fair Trade certified, products must use sustainable agricultural and production methods.

It is the money paid to producers' organizations on top of the product price in the trading of Fair Trade products. It is like a "subsidy" for producers.

The role of Fairtrade Premiums

Supporting producers: Premiums are used to support the economic, social and environmental development of producer associations and local communities.

Improved living standards : We contribute to improving the living standards of producers through education, healthcare, infrastructure development, etc.

Sustainable production : Used for investments to improve agricultural productivity and quality, as well as environmental protection activities.

Community Development : We contribute to the development of local communities by building community centers, schools, hospitals, etc.

Examples of how premiums can be used

• Buying farm equipment: Investing in more efficient farming

• Development of irrigation facilities: Addressing water shortages and improving productivity

• Going organic: A shift to environmentally friendly agriculture

• Improving education: Building schools and establishing scholarship programs

• Development of medical facilities: Improving medical services

The background behind the premium

Fair trade is an initiative that supports small-scale producers in developing countries to sell their products at a fair price. However, minimum prices alone can be difficult for producers to stabilize their livelihoods and contribute to the development of local communities. This is why premiums are created as a mechanism to support the self-reliance of producers.

The Importance of Fair Trade Premiums

Fair Trade Premiums go beyond simply providing financial support to producers; they also play an important role in:

Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) : We will contribute to achieving many SDGs, including poverty reduction, quality education, and gender equality.

Ethical consumer consumption : By purchasing Fair Trade products, consumers support producers and contribute to a better society.

Diversifying trade : In the traditional trading system, small producers are often subject to pricing power by larger companies. Fairtrade changes this structure and promotes Fair Trade.

The Fair Trade Premium is one of the key elements of Fair Trade and contributes in many ways to producers, local communities and consumers. Choosing a Fairtrade product is not just buying a product, it is an action to make the world a better place.

A Fair Trade Town is a city or town that promotes fair trade throughout the city, including citizens, government, businesses, retailers, and schools .

To be declared a Fair Trade Town, certain criteria must be met, including the easy availability of Fair Trade products in the area, support for Fair Trade by various groups and institutions in the area, and awareness-raising activities to spread the Fair Trade philosophy.

The main activities of Fair Trade Town are as follows:

• Promoting the purchase and sale of fair trade products

• Fair trade awareness activities

• Hosting a fair trade event

• Fair Trade Policy Advice

To become a Fair Trade Town, a town must meet the following six criteria:

1. Establishing a promotion organization and expanding the support base

2. Movement development and public awareness raising

3. Penetrating the local community

4. Contributing to regional revitalization

5. A wide range of fair trade products available through local stores

6. Support and promotion of fair trade by local governments

Becoming a Fair Trade Town can be expected to bring the following benefits:

• Revitalizing the local economy : Purchasing fair trade products increases sales for local shops and businesses.

• Changing public awareness : Through fair trade activities, public ethical awareness is raised.

• International Contribution : By purchasing Fair Trade products, you can improve the lives of producers in developing countries.

• Regional branding : Being certified as a Fair Trade Town improves the regional brand image.

Fair Trade Town is one of the important initiatives for local governments aiming to realize a sustainable society. It is expected that more local governments will aim to become Fair Trade Towns in the future.

Ethical consumption means "ethical consumption." In other words, it refers to consumption activities that consider not only one's own profits, but also the environment, society, and human rights. In recent years, various social issues such as global warming and poverty have become more serious, and efforts toward realizing a sustainable society are required. Ethical consumption is attracting attention as a consumption activity that contributes to solving these issues.

Buying Fair Trade Products

Purchase products that are certified by Fair Trade, a system that provides fair prices to producers in developing countries and improves their lives.

Buying organic products

Purchase organic products that are grown and processed without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers.

Local production and consumption

By purchasing locally produced ingredients and products, you contribute to the revitalization of the local area.

Buying recycled goods

By purchasing recycled products, you can contribute to saving resources.

Purchasing environmentally friendly products

Purchase products that have a low environmental impact, such as energy-efficient home appliances and eco-friendly detergents.

Purchasing products that consider animal welfare

Buy cosmetics that aren't tested on animals and meat products that come from pasture-raised animals.

Purchasing products that consider the working environment

Purchase products from companies that do not use child or forced labor.

Donate

Donate to environmental and human rights organizations.

Volunteer Activities

Participate as a volunteer in environmental protection activities and poverty support activities.

Start with what you can do

You don't have to aim for perfection from the start, just start with what you can do.

Information gathering

Gather information about ethical consumption and find a consumption method that suits you.

Continue

Ethical consumption is effective only if you continue it. It is important to find a way to continue it without straining yourself.

Sustainability means the ability to continue. The world is still facing serious challenges, such as poverty, hunger, human rights violations such as child labor and forced labor, and climate change due to global warming. In order to realize a sustainable lifestyle without sacrificing people or the global environment into the future, there is a global demand for sustainability initiatives.

In September 2015, at the United Nations Summit, with the participation of over 150 member state leaders, the outcome document "Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" was adopted. As an action plan for humanity, the planet and prosperity, the Agenda sets out the "Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," which consist of 17 goals and 169 targets to be achieved between 2015 and 2030 on issues such as poverty, hunger, energy, climate change and peaceful societies.